Sister Annemarie (Rie) Crowley

Sister Annemarie (Rie) Crowley died at Saint Joseph Villa on September 1, 2022. She was born into the happy Crowley family that included her parents, Dorothy and William, and her siblings, Bill and Dorothy. Despite their early losses, they experienced a wonderful life together, bonded by the wisdom of their mother, the docility of their father, and many happy summers in Wildwood.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1954, Sister Annemarie Crowley announced  to her family that she had decided to become a Sister of Saint Joseph. Inspired by her parents, the sisters at St. Bridget, her sponsor, S. Joseph Annice, and our dear S. Conradine, her vocation had blossomed.

Rie began her ministry teaching in elementary school, primarily science in the seventh and eighth grades. When she ran the science fairs, she knew her brother, Bill, could serve as a judge. After spending 25 years teaching, Rie was asked to move into youth ministry because she related so well with young adolescents. Always ready to respond to needs, Rie accepted this new challenge and, to be professionally prepared, she requested a LaSallian course  in youth ministry.

Rie began her next adventure at Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Roseland and, little did she know at the time, this was the to last for over 30 years. Her youth groups became the model for other parishes. She combined ski trips with retreats in a seamless manner. Rie developed religious education for special needs children and created instructional manuals for parents still used throughout the archdiocese. Her living Stations of the Cross  remain  part of the parish Lenten activities. Rie was recognized in both the parish and archdiocese for her outstanding leadership as youth minister. Rie’s creativity led her to move on to a new chapter of service. She accepted the pastor’s invitation to minister to the homebound and elderly of the parish. She led prayer groups for both men and women, reached out to parishioners who were grieving, sick, or dealing with family problems. She loved all she encountered.

She lived her joyful yes with energy and passion as she served all in her path. One of her greatest joys was having her sister, Dorothy (Nagle), at her side throughout her journey. The bonds of both a loving family and a faithful community united them in a deep and lasting relationship. With the image of her mother before her, Rie left us to be united with our loving God, her parents, and her brother. Rest in peace, dear Rie,  which you so deeply deserve.